The auction for health secretary 'Andrew Lansley's integrity', now removed, was listed for sale under Fantasy/Myth/Magic on the online auction site.

Described as a 'brand new item, never used', the listing also declared: 'To be honest it's a bit shoddy looking, virtually not there, in fact.'

The listing was accompanied by an image of Pinocchio, nose extended.

After appearing on Sunday, the item was later taken down.

The unknown seller had said he or she was 'being forced to sell it due to the unsavoury odour it has developed'.

The post admitted that the 1p asking price was 'monolithically over emphasising it's [sic] value'.

All proceeds from the auction were set to go to the charity Children with Cancer UK. When the listing was active, a spokeswoman for the charity said: 'Children with Cancer UK has no involvement nor association with this listing.'

A DoH spokeswoman said: 'Like the NHS, Mr Lansley's credibility is not for sale.'